YOUNGSTERS have been getting to grips with the media industry at an event in Dorchester.

A total of 16 young people from across the county took part in the media training day at the Dorchester Youth and Community Centre in Kings Road.

As well as writing their own articles and press releases, the youngsters – aged between 11 and 16 – also had a question and answer session with a Dorset Echo reporter and spent the afternoon looking at radio and social networking.

The day was organised by Anna Sayce from the Sounds Positive project, who is three years into a four-year scheme to address the image of young people in the media.

She said: “The project was set up by the Youth Parliament in the South West to increase the positive image of young people in the media.

“I go around the South West and provide media training at youth centres and schools and talk about press releases and articles.”

Miss Sayce also helps youngsters get their work published in local newspapers and other publications and all of the youngsters get to take home a specially produced media guide.

She said the event gives the youngsters a chance to look at broader issues in more depth than they might at school.

Miss Sayce said: “It’s a nice change for them and it’s good to get the young people together.”

The Echo’s Dorchester reporter Harry Hogger spoke to the group about his role in the local media and answered a host of insightful questions about the industry.

Miss Sayce said the youngsters responded well to people in trade and appreciated the chance to speak to someone with first-hand experience.

For more information visit www.learning-southwest.org.uk/page/Sounds-Positive